Patent · US Expired

Multi-layer three-dimensional structures having features smaller than a minimum feature size associated with the formation of individual layers

US7498714B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
12References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 24, 2004
Grant dateMar 3, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 14, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/29
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Embodiments of multi-layer three-dimensional structures and formation methods provide structures with effective feature (e.g. opening) sizes (e.g. virtual gaps) that are smaller than a minimum feature size (MFS) that exists on each layer as a result of the formation method used in forming the structures. In some embodiments, multi-layer structures include a first element (e.g. first patterned layer with a gap) and a second element (e.g. second patterned layer with a gap) positioned adjacent the first element to define a third element (e.g. a net gap or opening resulting from the combined gaps of the first and second elements) where the first and second elements have features that are sized at least as large as the minimum feature size and the third element, at least in part, has dimensions or defines dimensions smaller than the minimum feature size.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.